Setup a business in Sharjah Mainland?
To start your company in Sharjah Mainland, you’ll first need to choose a suitable legal structure (for instance, a Limited Liability Company or a Sole Proprietorship) and determine your core business activities. Then, you’ll register with the Sharjah Department of Economic Development (DED) by obtaining initial approvals, reserving a trade name, and applying for the appropriate license (Commercial, Professional, or Industrial). Once the necessary documents (like the Memorandum of Association, lease agreement, and external approvals if required) are in order, you’ll pay the fees, collect your trade license, set up a corporate bank account, and finalize any visa requirements. Comply with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Anti-Money Laundering (AML-CFT) rules, and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) regulations to ensure long-term compliance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step in detail so you can confidently launch and grow your Sharjah Mainland business. How to Setup Your Company in Sharjah Mainland Quick Guide Starting a business in the Sharjah Mainland is very attractive for expatriate investors/entrepreneurs / small businesses. Situated at a strategic location, with a tax-free environment, it is easy to set up a business in Sharjah, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the top destinations for company formation in the Dubai. From the process of company formation in Sharjah Mainland to thinking about business setup in Dubai, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. I’ll provide the steps, costs, licenses and benefits to ensure your company establishment runs smoothly in 2025. What Makes Sharjah Mainland Ideal for Business Setup? Sharjah, a buzzing Emirate within the UAE, is a centre of attraction for company formation in the Sharjah Mainland. With no steep taxes except for the few consumption taxes only, and cheap business rates, one can surely think of expanding their business in this country. Positioned around Dubai and big ports such as Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah puts you on the map where the Middle East market meets Africa and Asia. The set-up process of a Sharjah company is relatively simple, and registration is facilitated by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), which allows full foreign ownership in many activities, 100% tax and audit exemption. Unlike Sharjah free zones, Mainland businesses can trade with all of the UAE and compete for government tenders, which will give them a strong presence in the market. Which Business Licenses Can You Get in Sharjah Mainland? Your business license is determined by your business activity. Sharjah SEDD grants various license types to suit your company’s objectives. Here’s what you can choose: Commercial License: If you want to sell and trade Goods via import/export or e-commerce. You’ll have to list the goods you trade. Professional License: For professional services, ie consulting, IT, healthcare, etc. You must show qualifications. Industrial License: To carry out industrial or manufacturing activities in locations such as the Sharjah Industrial Area. Tourism License: Hotels and tourism activities, including travel agents and restaurants. Agricultural License: For farms or ranches. Craft License: For the production or sale of goods made by hand. Each license type ensures you follow regulatory compliance. You can apply for multiple licenses if your company establishment covers several activities. What Are the Legal Structures for Sharjah Mainland Companies? Choosing the right legal structure for your Sharjah Mainland business is important. It affects your liability, ownership, and operations. Here are the main business entities: Legal Structure Key Features Ownership/Liability Best For Limited Liability Company (LLC) 2–50 shareholders, 100% foreign ownership since 2021. Liability limited to capital share. Flexible businesses with limited liability. Sole Proprietorship (LSA Company) One owner, needs a local service agent (LSA). Owner has unlimited liability, LSA has no ownership. Freelancers and small businesses. Branch of Foreign/UAE Company Extension of an existing company, no local sponsor. Parent company holds liability. Expanding businesses. Public/Private Shareholding Company Capital in shares, allows raising capital. Limited liability for shareholders. Large businesses seeking public or private offerings. Partnership Company UAE nationals only, general or limited types. Liability varies by type. UAE nationals partnering. How Do You Register a Company in Sharjah Mainland? This is how setting up in Sharjah Mainland is easy if you go through these steps. Here’s a clear guide: Step 1: Select Your Business Category: Select the area of business you want to engage in (trading and business, education and training, or IT and technology). There are more than 2,000 regulations in the Sharjah SEDD. Step 2: Choose a Trade Name: Choose a name for your business that is unique and meets UAE naming conventions. It should be an accurate one, listing your business activity and your legal structure (for example, LLC). Step 3: Receive First Approval: Request a Government NOC from the Sharjah SEDD to ensure that they’ve approved of the formation of your company. Step 4: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA): Draft and finalise the MoA, which should include your business purpose and the role of the shareholders, and notarise it. A local service agent agreement is required for sole proprietorships. Step 5: . Locate an office space: Rent a physical office that complies with the stipulations of the Sharjah Municipality. Step 6: Obtain Additional Approvals: Some activities (e.g., medical services, law consultancy) require approvals from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Step 7: Apply for an Establishment Card: This card is issued by the Ministry of Labour and gives visa quotas and hiring rights. Step 8: Documentation & Fees Submission: All of your documents shall be sent to the Sharjah SEDD along with the payment of the license fee to obtain your trade license. Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account: Open a corporate account, as the same will be used to deal with financial transactions. Step 10: Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce: Sign up for the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for your final company registration. This typically lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. PRO services can expedite it and ensure compliance. What Documents Are Required for a Sharjah Mainland Business Setup? For your Sharjah Mainland